Customer Reviews

The Complete Book of Vinyasa Yoga: The Authoritative Presentation-Based on 30 Years of Direct Study Under the Legendary Yoga Teacher Krishnamacha

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4 star:		(4)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(2)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

This is one of the most useful books on yoga asana I have read in a while. Srivatsa Ramaswami present a multitude of vinyasas, i.e. flowing asana sequences. There are virtually hundreds of variations for students depending on their level. I thin kthe book really tries to make the reader undersatnd that in yoga achievement is not the thing we are looking for.
I woud say that the book is for students who have practiced a little bit, especailly that the problem of sequencing the various vinyasas is tackled.
I would highly recommend the book.

Thousands of Yogis follow different systems of Yoga emanating from the lineage of the great Yogi Sri T Krishnamacharya. Everyone of them will find that this book by Ramaswami offers new dimensions to their practice. In twelve chapters, all the core sequences are clearly described along with the correct breathing techniques and attention to the breath that are essential ingredients of Krishnamacharya's method. Over one thousand color pictures of exquisite yoga vinyasas landscape the book. It is a very welcome and unique contribution to the world of Yoga.

Srivatsa Ramaswami has enacted the life that his guru the legendary T.Krisnamcharya promised to his guru Ramanamohan: that of yoking real life with dedication to the study of yoga and its attendant spiritual cultivation. From his decades of ongoing study with T. Krishnamacharya he has built a highly skilled command of the full spectrum of yogic practices as well as that of the texts that inform them. The Complete Vinyasa Yoga bristles with the intelligence and charm of its author. Here he presents the many movement and breath sequences that he learned throughout the years exactly as he learned them so that the informed teacher or practitioner can select what is the most relevant vinyasa to acheive the desired effect. He presents them now as a testament to his dedication to T. Krisnamacharya. Within a lifetime of learning and teaching yoga he presents the subject of Vinyasa in its context of the full spectrum of yoga including lines of association to the more subtle and internal practise . Adding his own modern, scientific, and mature insight he gives us us precise and usable instructions illuminating the very essence of yogic tools: cultivating and placing attention; stabilized in the body, freed in the breath. The overall picture presents a logical progression from movement to stillness. We see each pose photographed, with clear instructions, never before so clearly explicated in terms of the underlying breath work. While the number of vinyasas may seem dizzying to some and not as Herculean to others, it is the method of calm progression that is most firmly encouraged. Vinyasa krama leads us step by step to the attainment of our most steady vibrancy. It is a practical and spiritual map to a territory few have the capacity to teach so generously.

Whew! If you are looking for a comprehensive sourcebook on asana- this is it! Looking through the softcover book initially, you can see that Ramaswami covers the basics and then offers the practitioner more advanced variations as well. This book is a unique and an especially valuable sourcebook for teachers and their students because it shows you the base-asana from which others stem- teaching you how to grow the asana from your current capability towards something new and/or different which will offer you a new opening. Instructors wishing to learn how to create their own sequences for themselves or someone else, have here, necessary tools to help them organize and develop their own series- very few books on yoga can offer this. The photos help to visually affirm many of the written explantions, and are just the right size to allow the book to contain lots of valuable information. Ramaswami has been a well-kept secret in India during the broadcasting of his more publicized counterparts so if you respect the Krishnamacharya lineage, you should make Ramaswami's book a part of your knowledge and own it. I couldn't believe the price of this book, considering the wealth of material- and a chanting CD, too! I had to buy 2- one for me, and one for a friend.

The Complete Book of Vinyasa Yoga is as complete as can be. As one of Krishnamacharya's students, Ramaswami offers guidance and a thorough set of vinyasa sequences for yogis at all levels of ability. Deeply therapeutic, his methods are both physically and spiritually engaging. The descriptions of each sequence are elaborate, but clear, flowing and beautiful. What truly adds to the understanding and appreciation of each pose is the precision of the vinyasa yoga pictures--listen to the CD, it's incredibly soothing and helpful!

I own this book and I have had the privilege of learning yoga from Mr. Ramaswami even though it was for a brief period of time. The book can not substitute for him, as he is an exceptional teacher but being in the United States, I treasure the book as he has done an extraordinary job in presenting yoga as he has learnt from his Guru. This book is a must have for anyone who wishes to even learn a little about Yoga. Don't go for other superficial books when such a rare gem is made available for us.

I just found the #1 authoritative source on the Vinyasa Yoga system. This is the real stuff. Take a look at this book and compare it with the other superficial stuff, and see for yourself. Anyone interested in Yoga should keep a copy around as a reference on how to do Yoga postures the correct way. This is the first time such a complete set of Yoga poses has been documented so thoroughly. It's such a wealth of knowledge that I could spin a hundred other books off of this one. Thank you so much for your contribution.

This book is truly an offering to all of us in the yoga community. It is clear and reveals the concept of Krama or steps for many postures. The book is a fantastic resource for students and teachers and it is certainly an addition to the literature.

A very mature and comprehensive work on yoga, suitable for beginners as well as advanced students.The suggestions how to procede are sound and based on experience. The cd joint with the yoga sutras is beautiful and makes you feeling like in India.

I was excited to get the book due to all of the other glowing reviews but it wasn't what I was looking for. I was hoping to have more information on the philosphy of yoga and then be able to expand my at-home practice. Unfortunately, I got neither out of this book. There was little information on yoga thought and theories and the instruction on the vinyasa's was confusing and I'm not a beginner.